The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Creative Lab in the Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi (towfour54), organized a panel discussion titled “positive citizenship,” with the aim of enhancing a culture of political participation among youth.
The session was attended by more than 30 students from several Abu Dhabi schools. The discussion presented several topics that focused on the knowledge of rights and duties towards the county, how youth can express their love and loyalty to the homeland and its leadership, creative approaches in expressing the spirit of positive citizenship and how the youth of the UAE can become ambassadors of positivity and contributors to development of the country.
His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, explained that enhancing political awareness among the community is a national duty that needs the collaborative efforts of all. “The panel discussion is in line with our goal of strengthening a culture of political participation culture among youth. Our leadership sees them as the leaders of the future who can contribute to continuing the match of prosperity and development of the country across all sectors.”
Maryam Al Mheiri, Acting CEO of twofour54, said: “Our leadership believes in the importance of youth engagement and has created platforms to raise awareness of their responsibilities towards our nation. This event comes as part of the culture of having an open dialogue with the youth, aiming to open the door for students to explore their creative potential and share their ideas and expectations of how to positively and effectively contribute to society. Helping young people to define their contribution to the future of the UAE is an important part of what we aim for at twofour54.”
Colonel Dr. Ahmad Ali Alkhzimi, Director of the Officers’ Training Institute at the Ministry of Interior, asserted in his speech delivered at the panel discussion that positive citizenship is the bet for the future and the effective way to achieve prosperity and progress of the UAE. He added: “Positive citizenship is defined by dedication and loyalty in performing the duties of citizens, as well as volunteering, conserving the values of our nation, and launching and participating in constructive initiatives in addition to academic excellence. Positive citizenship contributes to building generations capable of boosting the nation and building on its achievements.”
Alkhzimi said that political participation is part of the Arab culture and Islamic values. “Political participation is an important safeguard to preserve one’s rights and freedoms, and a tool to inform the Government of the needs, aspirations and desires of the citizens for achieving stability in society. It is also considered as a means of education and spreading awareness within the community, and promoting cooperation between citizens and government institutions.”
The Ministry of State for Federal National Council, as part of its efforts to promote a culture of political participation, seeks to implement several innovative initiatives and activities. The ministry is also keen on organizing periodical series of awareness lectures directed to all segments of society, such as young people and women to enhance their political awareness and contribute to the promotion of belonging to the homeland and its wise leadership.